Reigning Conference champs ready to hit the field this Saturday
Tim Murray
Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports
After a historic season last year, the Muhlenberg Football Team is excited for the season to start this Sat. against the Wilkes Colonels. Last season, the Mules compiled a record of 11-1 including the first ever undefeated regular season and outright Centennial Conference title in school history. The Mules finished the season ranked #8 in the country, according to D3football.com, and made it to the second round of the NCAA playoffs. However, the team knows that is all in the past and this season the Mules won't be able to sneak up on anyone. "We know we've got a bulls eye on our chest this season," senior captain Dave Mazzola stated. "We are just going to take it one game at a time."
If winning the Conference Championship wasn't enough, the Mules have been ranked in 4 pre-season polls: Lindy's #22, Sporting News #7, D3football.com #8, and USA Today Sports Weekly #9. Also, Muhlenberg was picked to take home the Conference title again by the Centennial Conference pre-season poll.
The Mules' offense is ready to rock come Sat. as they return 10 of 11 starters, including pre-season All American Mike "Tiny" Nolan. Nolan '09, the starting center and one of four captains on the squad this year, was picked as a pre-season All American by Sporting News and D3football.com. "I felt a little pressure in the beginning of camp," Nolan commented about the pre-season accolades. "But once I got started it was business as usual."
Last season Nolan anchored the Mules offensive line and received 1st Team All-Conference for the second straight year. Taking the snaps from Nolan will be 3rd year starter and captain Eric Santigato. Santigato had a breakthrough year last season, completing 63% of his pass attempts, connecting for 15 touchdowns, and throwing only 5 interceptions. He also showed he was quick on his feet running for 6 touchdowns. Senior running back John DeLuca had an unbelievable season running the ball last year. DeLuca ran for 1,533 yards on 329 carries and scored 17 touchdowns, 16 rushing and 1 receiving. These stats gave DeLuca 1st Team All-Centennial Conference honors.
If winning the Conference Championship wasn't enough, the Mules have been ranked in 4 pre-season polls: Lindy's #22, Sporting News #7, D3football.com #8, and USA Today Sports Weekly #9. Also, Muhlenberg was picked to take home the Conference title again by the Centennial Conference pre-season poll.
The Mules' offense is ready to rock come Sat. as they return 10 of 11 starters, including pre-season All American Mike "Tiny" Nolan. Nolan '09, the starting center and one of four captains on the squad this year, was picked as a pre-season All American by Sporting News and D3football.com. "I felt a little pressure in the beginning of camp," Nolan commented about the pre-season accolades. "But once I got started it was business as usual."
Last season Nolan anchored the Mules offensive line and received 1st Team All-Conference for the second straight year. Taking the snaps from Nolan will be 3rd year starter and captain Eric Santigato. Santigato had a breakthrough year last season, completing 63% of his pass attempts, connecting for 15 touchdowns, and throwing only 5 interceptions. He also showed he was quick on his feet running for 6 touchdowns. Senior running back John DeLuca had an unbelievable season running the ball last year. DeLuca ran for 1,533 yards on 329 carries and scored 17 touchdowns, 16 rushing and 1 receiving. These stats gave DeLuca 1st Team All-Centennial Conference honors.